AAT level 3 bookkeeping to AAT level 4

Mun123 · March 28

Hello

Hope everyone is doing well. Wondering if there are any students who passed AAT Level 4 after doing AAT level 2/3 bookkeeping and bypassing most of the modules in Level 2 and 3?

I am planning to start Level 4 next month but worried about Applied management and internal accounting systems controls. Fairly confident in drafting and interpreting financial statements module. As for the optional modules I will more than likely choose Business and Personal tax.

I have an old kaplan ACCA F2 Management accounting from 2013. Would that book cover all the topics in the management accounting unit and be enough for 2026 unit. Or has the curriculum changed?

Anyone got any experience in this current situation I am in? I don't want to have to start from Level 2 again and go through all the modules/exams. Really want to try and finish these new modules within 6-12 months.

Any recommendations for what I should do?

shamilkaria · March 30

Hi @Mun123

With exams yes most theory may remain the same but it is ideally good to use the latest books because they prepare them according to the exams

Mun123 · April 1

See how it goes gone through a couple of chapters on cost behaviour and inventory. This ACCA F2 2014 book is quite extensive lots of practice questions. Hopefully after going through the book, the AAT level 4 AMAC module should be easy to pass after doing the practice/mock exams on aat learning portal. I don't want to start from the beginning Level 2 and level 3

shamilkaria · April 1

Hi @Mun123

ACCA books are quite intense, some of the things on them won't yet come up on AAT but you can try. You don't need to start from the start AAT Level 2 and AAT Level 3, but just getting the AAT Level 4 Book because that will teach you exactly what you need. ACCA book will give you the same but alot more than you need for now.

Kind regards

Shamil

Mun123 · April 2

Thanks Shamil

Which book would you recommend?
Which areas should I really need to focus on?

shamilkaria · April 3

Hi @Mun123

The ACCA book would be fine too but it will have additional details which AAT exams wouldn't cover which is why they say ACCA is harder than AAT. But the concepts will all be the same. BPP and Kaplan sell AAT exam books do check their sites. In terms on what to focus on, not too sure because I haven't done this exam in a while. I would suggest looking on AATs site to see what they seem to be focusing on.

Sorry couldn't be much help here.

Kind regards

Shamil

Mun123 · April 4

Ok no worries Shamil.

Probably better to buy a used Kaplan/BPP level 4 book. Slightly off topic but for accounting software training. I have managed to get the Xero level 2 certificate (xero website free) and about to start doing Quickbooks level 1 and level 2 (It's all free) do these certificates hold any merit without actual real life practice using these software? I haven't managed to find a job or have any experience. It's been hard to find volunteering unpaid or work experience. Any advice on what I could do with AAT level 3 bookkeeping?

shamilkaria · April 4

Hi @Mun123

Entirely up to you, all the contents will also be in the ACCA book but it will be a bit heavy because it will include other areas which won't be in the exam.

They do help out learning these softwares don't get me wrong but I would learn Excel more and list it on your CV. For example, do you know how to do a Pivot Table, VLookup, Conditional Formatting, Power Query etc these are the skills companies are after as alot of people don't know how to do these.

The job market right now is very tough, you aren't alone trust me. Have you tried speaking to companies, recruiters directly, have you put your CV on Indeed, Reed, CV Library. Are you ok LinkedIn, if not set up an account and try and speak to accounts / finance specialists. In terms of volunteering have you checked on a site called Do It Volunteering they do have roles like treasury come up do that for 6 months volunteering to increase your chances for a paid job. Have you tried applying for purchase ledger / sales ledger / finance assistant / accounts assistant roles / Credit control? These are all entry level roles to get your foot through the door

You have completed AAT Level 3 right? You mentioned that in your CV? If so that's absolutely fine most employers are happy with level 3.

Mun123 · April 4

I have completed AAT Level 3 bookkeeping and will be starting AAT Level 4 accounting next month.

I haven't really used Excel since I was in university maybe about 10 years ago. I really need to practice and master Excel. I know in the management accounting level 3 you have a spreadsheet exam which I obviously haven't done. Any Excel courses you'd personally recommend for bookkeeping/accounting?

That's the thing I need to get my foot through the door but it's the hardest thing when you don't have any previous accounting experience. I am not sure I am suitable for a treasury role? I only have understanding of double entry bookkeeping, vat returns, bank reconciliations and some payroll knowledge. I need a mentor as well.

shamilkaria · April 5

Hi @Mun123

Great so with your studies, you are pretty much on track which is good. Yes I would definitely recommend Excel alot of companies want someone at intermediate level who knows how to do Pivot Tables etc. No Excel courses needed just learn from YouTube and say on your CV self taught Excel skills and show what you learnt like for example VLookup / Index and Match.

Yh getting your foot through the door is hard, been through that before for years. Treasury roles are entry level roles it's basic book keeping, recording receipts, payments, bank reconciliation etc. Unless it's changed in a few years usually that's what treasurer's used to do in charities also help prepare accounts up to like Trial Balance before the accountant usually took over. Your knowledge for it seems pretty sufficient, and in charities they will show you how they do their accounts, it's not complicated once they show you. At uni what did you study if you don't mind me asking? Also have a look on the sites I mentioned and just try and get some experience for 6 months and things will hopefully change.

Mun123 · April 12

Sorry for the late reply but I studied accounting and finance at uni but dropped out after the 1st year, was about more than 10 years ago. Decided to start learning again by going through AAT bookkeeping course with the aim to get a job as quickly as possible in the accounts field. But having studied AAT level 3 bookkeeping I have gained more interest and insight and now want to complete level 4 and progress to ACCA.

Thanks for the advice. I do need a structured learning Excel course that is designed for Bookkeepers/Accountants primarily. There are many excel tutorials but not sure how relevant they are to bookkeeping/accounting.

Ok I thought treasury roles were for more senior accountants/bookkeepers. I didn't think you could get an entry bookkeeping job as a treasurer. And I thought you would have to learn about charity accounting by yourself. I didn't realise charities teach and show you how they do their accounts.

I have never done a job interview with an accounting/bookkeeping role and with my lack of experience I have been hesitant to apply. I need some practical work experience so I can feel more confident and assured.

shamilkaria · April 12

Hi @Mun123

Ah okay fair enough, yes AAT is a good starting point to help you grow. Plus doing level 4 then ACCA is a good idea too as that is what I am doing.

There are loads of YouTube videos for accountants wanting to learn Excel, practice from them.

Yes treasurers in charity just analyse income and expenditure, bank recs and prepare accounts up to trial balance. You can learn the basics of charity accounting to show your commitment. But yes usually they will train you on how they did their accounts.

Shouldn't be hesitant just go for it, got nothing to lose and that way you will get experience as to what they want and need.

Mun123 · April 15

So have you completed AAT level 4? Are you studying ACCA now? You get 3 exemptions right from the first 9 papers? Do you have to pay for those exemptions?

Have been looking at apprenticeships but the ones I have enquired have age restrictions. I am over 30.
Just going to apply for accounts payable/receivable positions. Any tips on looking for bookkeeper entry no experience level jobs? Any special words/phrases I should type in searches?

Need a part-time job whilst working through aat level 4 and hopefully ACCA.

shamilkaria · April 16

Hi @Mun123

I am on my final AAT Exam hopefully should be done with it in the next 3 months then will be starting ACCA. Yup do get exemptions but you do have to pay for them.

I am over 30 too, if I were you I would just start off with like PL / SL / Accounts Assistant / Finance Assistant Roles etc. Nah no tips, just apply around, speak to recruiters, have a LinkedIn profile etc.

Part time jobs are very hard and rare if you haven't had the experience. Your best bet for a job is most likely going to be full time roles.

Kind regards

Shamil

Mun123 · April 16

Good luck hope you pass level 4. So you have your optional unit to pass? Are you doing personal and business tax units? Those are the units you need for the ACCA exemption right?

Looked on the AAT careers section they have lots of apprenticeships but I guess you don't recommend it?

shamilkaria · April 16

Hi @Mun123

Thanks for the wishes appreciate it. I hope you pass your exams and qualify too 🙂.

I've done all the optional exams I've just got Internal Controls and Accounting Systems left. Its a tedious topic and very worded haha. I just did personal tax as an optional topic, didn't pick business tax. With ACCA you get exemptions from the first 3 exams. Then you have to do the rest.

I mean you could apply for apprenticeships not going to lie they are brilliant for work experience and studies because they will teach and train you well and get you qualified which is perfect for your future, but the salary will be slightly bit below minimum wage. I mean if you are happy to take the hit but get your future sorted they go for it, even I was thinking about apprenticeships but my situation is slightly different. If you don't mind slightly less wage for 2-3 years but solid training and study support then go for it.

Mun123 · April 16

Nearly there so once you have AAT level 4, are you going to apply for a different job?

I thought the ACCA exemption was only permissible if you do the optional Business and Personal tax units only but could be wrong. Do you know where you are going to study ACCA?

I have been looking at accounts payable jobs but maybe doing an apprenticeship for a year until I can finish my aat level 4. An Accounts assistant apprenticeship is probably more beneficial than doing accounts payable. I also think working in a smaller accounting practice is better you will probably learn more and be given more jobs than working for a bigger company.

shamilkaria · April 16

Hi @Mun123

I've just joined a new company as a finance analyst so for now sticking while I complete ACCA.

Nah once you finish AAT you get exemptions from the first 3 ACCA exams. In terms of studying for it at present I'm thinking of just buying books and revising / practicing myself.

True apprenticeships you will learn way more but they are usually 2 to 3 years because they expect you to complete AAT / ACCA or CIMA

Mun123 · April 16

Congrats on your new job. How is the new job? What kind of things do you do?
What were you doing before?

Thought most apprenticeships are 1 year long but guess it depends if an employer is keen on keeping/extending you and prepared to fund your AAT/ACCA. Did your employer fund your AAT level 4 and exams or did you pay for it privately? See Premier training currently have an offer AAT level 4 for £630

Staysharp are pretty good for revising AAT/ACCA. See they have put their prices up.

shamilkaria · April 17

Hi @Mun123

Thanks appreciate it 🙂, so far it's only been 3 weeks. Just been working on management accounts at first and working on utilities breakdown, kind of both of what I've done before, now that's finishing next week I'll be looking at other things with the FC.

Most apprenticeships are generally a few years allowing the employee to complete AAT for example from Level 2 or 3 right through to Level 4 or even starting at Level 4 then some employers will even try and ask you to do ACCA or CIMA all fully funded because these exams for AAT and ACCA or CIMA can be very expensive. Nah I paid for everything myself, it depends if you need classroom or online or can buy books and learn yourself. I'd do prefer classroom but due to cost I just buy the books and learn myself.

Ah okay never heard of them before I've mainly just stuck with Kaplan.

Mun123 · April 17

So you did AAT level 4 just by going through the Kaplan books and just paying for the registration and exam fees? You started from level 2? So how long have you been working in the accounting field? How much experience do you have? Have you worked both firm and practice?

I used staysharp a month before exams, definitely helped. Also paid for some mock exams from Will Boardman. I have passed all my units 1st time. AAT don't really provide enough mock exams and the mock exams are far easier than the actual exam. It should be the other way around.

Staysharp heard is great for ACCA as well £48 per month.

shamilkaria · April 17

Hi @Mun123

Yh pretty much, works out cheaper because classroom is expensive. I've been in accounts now at least 5 years. But I've just been in industry not worked in practice. How about your experience?

Ah right never heard of these training providers before but they seem good. True but I feel AAT mock replicate the real thing.

Nice £48 a month ain't bad at all. Is that like online classes?

Mun123 · April 18

I did work experience at a small accounting practice over 10 years ago only for a month. I am looking at apprenticeships accounts assistant and finance assistant roles right now. Working in industry is probably better for your CV and references. But I guess you had limited work and it must have taken you a few years to get a promotion or given other responsibilities?

Do you know any good excel course for bookkeepers/accountants? Any you'd recommend?

I am going to buy the premier training AAT level 4 package, I find self studying hard to be honest. I prefer the access and format of the online modules and online recorded sessions

shamilkaria · 2:14AM

Hi @Mun123

I am sure you will get one soon it is picking up again. True but with practice you get solid experience. I've worked up from nothing lol, I had no job before to built up to where I am which is now to a mid senior role. But once I complete ACCA aim is to be in a senior / managerial role so hopefully in the 2 to 3 years.

Nah no recommendations just YouTube videos I'd say any.

Ah okay fair enough, yh self study is hard need to dedication and motivation lol even I sometimes find it difficult but just put my head down and crack on lol.

AAT level 3 bookkeeping to AAT level 4

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